What kind of glue to glue polycarbonate. How to patch a hole in a polycarbonate greenhouse Cracked polycarbonate in a greenhouse than to glue it

Homemade glue, which is most often made on the basis of a solvent and pieces of polycarbonate, can also be considered not the best option. The result will be a thick mass, which, in theory, should connect the surfaces. In practice, homemade glue will hold the polycarbonate together only temporarily: the surface deforms over time, and maybe even worse, because the seam will not only turn out to be rough, it will also be fragile, so it may simply not be able to withstand the load.

Finally, a few useful tips that will help to simplify the work as much as possible and get a high-quality result:

When choosing hot-curing glue or EVA for polycarbonate sheets, it is advisable to use a special gun.
Before using the selected adhesive on the finished structure, test it on a "draft" version. When doing this, take into account the type of materials to be bonded, the elasticity of the resulting joint, its resistance to chemical and temperature influences.
If the work is carried out with cellular polycarbonate, it is better to give preference not to glue, but to self-tapping screws, since in this case the load on the seam will be too great. But do not forget about sealing the joints of the structure: for this, a film and an end profile made of polycarbonate are used.

That's all the nuances that should be considered when choosing the right adhesive for polycarbonate. Enjoy the shopping!

Adhesive for working with polycarbonate: video

Polycarbonate is a modern transparent sheet material belonging to the group of amorphous thermoplastics. Due to its high performance characteristics, strength and aesthetic appearance, it has become one of the most demanded materials used both in construction and for interior decoration.

Polycarbonate is one of the most popular materials for both construction and interior decoration.

Polycarbonate is widely used for:

construction of greenhouses, winter gardens, greenhouses;
creating awnings and canopies, light-transmitting roofs, finishing balconies;
during the construction of pavilions and exhibition centers;
for glazing industrial buildings (instead of conventional glass);
during the construction of office partitions, shower cabins;
for illuminated and outdoor advertising.

Polycarbonate comes in two varieties: cast monolithic and honeycomb with a cellular structure.

Monolithic differs from its cellular "brother" in increased shock resistance and anti-vandal qualities.

Advantages and disadvantages

The advantages of polycarbonate are:

Polycarbonate has a high bending strength, and also withstands temperature drops from -40 to + 120 °.

excellent heat and sound insulation qualities;
high fire resistance and fire safety - polycarbonate melts, but does not burn;
high degree of bending strength of panels;
light transmission, according to which polycarbonate is not inferior to glass;
durability and resistance to adverse environmental influences: rain, snow, which is especially important for greenhouses;
resistance to temperature extremes (from -40 ° С to + 120 °);
Unlike other plastics, polycarbonate has the ability to block ultraviolet radiation thanks to its UV absorbing layer, which significantly prolongs the "life" of the coating;
a wide variety of color shades allows you to experiment with finishing;
finally, the low weight of the sheets and the ease of their installation make polycarbonate an ideal material for doing DIY repairs.

The disadvantages include:

rather high cost of high-quality material, while the price of colored polycarbonate is 10-15% higher;
weak resistance to mechanical damage.

Since polycarbonate is prone to thermal expansion, when heated strongly, its sheets can deform. This feature must be taken into account when installing polycarbonate sheets, leaving thermal gaps between them at least 2-5 mm.

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Tools and materials required for installation

The standard size of a polycarbonate panel is: width - 2 m, length - 6 or 12 m. Sheet thickness varies from 4 to 16 mm, non-standard - 32, 40, 50 mm. The thicker the sheet, the stronger it is, but the worse it bends, which must be taken into account when designing awnings, roofs, arched greenhouses.

When erecting external structures, polycarbonate with an absorbent UV layer is used. On this side, a special film is glued, which is removed after installation, otherwise you can be mistaken about the side. The side unprotected by the UV layer will quickly deteriorate during use.

Tools that are required to mount the panels:

hacksaw for metal or wood, circular saw - for cutting polycarbonate sheets;
wooden blocks or pipes for forming a frame for a greenhouse, canopy, partitions or other structures;
aluminum or transparent polycarbonate profiles for connecting polycarbonate panels: detachable and one-piece, as well as angular, curly and ridge (for mounting roofs and canopies);
self-tapping screws and bolts with special thermal washers;
adhesives compatible with polycarbonate, hot-curing polyamide-based or silicone and ethylene vinyl acetate, as well as a gun for applying glue;
self-adhesive aluminum tape, perforated tape;
screwdriver, hammer, screwdriver, nails, nail puller, drill.

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Polycarbonate sheet mounting technology

It is most convenient to attach the sheets to the already finished structure frame on one-piece profiles. At the same time, panels of the required size are first cut out, then profiles are attached to the frame with self-tapping screws with thermal washers. Polycarbonate panels are inserted into the grooves of the profiles. In order to increase the strength of the fastening, the grooves are additionally coated with silicone sealant. In this case, the upper edges of the panels are hermetically closed with an aluminum tape, and the lower ones - with a perforated one, then special end profiles are put on them. This is necessary to protect the polycarbonate honeycomb from moisture and dust.

Fastening with split profiles is carried out with nails to a wooden plank or frame. If the profile is attached directly to the frame, then the fastening is carried out with self-tapping screws with thermal washers in increments of 30-50 cm. Pre-cut polycarbonate panels are placed in the base of the profile, and a split profile cover is put on top, which is gently tapped with a wooden mallet or rubber hammer. As in the case of one-piece profiles, the grooves are coated with a sealant.

Plates made of polymer materials are not always used in the form in which they were issued. To create the necessary structures, polycarbonate glue is used, which allows you to connect parts of one sheet or glue together several thermoplastic plates. Fasteners sometimes do not meet the assigned tasks, changing the appearance of the manufactured item. Bonding with a suitable composition does not add structural elements, while ensuring the strength of the product, its ability to withstand the effects of the environment.

Type of monolithic polycarbonate (click to enlarge)

Main components used for bonding polymers

To choose how to glue polycarbonate, you need to roughly imagine how certain components of the glue affect the characteristics of the joint mixture. Adhesives differ from each other in a number of basic parameters:

ease of use;
the viscosity of the adhesive;
strength and speed of connection;
transparency of the adhesive mass;
ability to withstand temperature fluctuations;
waterproofness;
resistance to physical impact.

You can use one- or two-component formulations (click to enlarge)

Special adhesives used only for working with polycarbonate are not produced. In construction, glue is used intended for plastic and other polymeric materials, and when choosing the right composition, it is important to make sure that the connection will last a long time and will not spoil the appearance of the finished product.

For gluing polycarbonate, one-component and multicomponent compositions are used based on:

polyamides;
polyurethane;
ethylene vinyl acetate;
silicone.

Some adhesives used for other materials are not suitable for laminated (honeycomb) or monolithic polycarbonate applications. Despite the resistance to physical and thermal stress, polymeric materials are sensitive to contact with certain chemical compounds. It is not recommended to glue polycarbonate with compounds containing alkali and various solvents.

Watch the video to find out more:

Aggressive chemical reactions can damage the surfaces to be glued, disrupt the structure, change color and shape, without ensuring the required strength of the resulting compound.

The presence of dichloroethane in the glue is undesirable. This compound is highly toxic and flammable, which significantly limits the possibilities of use.

Features of adhesives

Depending on the materials that need to be glued together, one or another adhesives are used. When choosing what to glue polycarbonate with, you should familiarize yourself with the main features of the main components of the glue.

For connection of structural elements and parts made of polycarbonate, the best result is demonstrated by hot-hardening polyamide glue. For its application, a special thermal gun is used. The adhesive formed when the synthetic compound is heated is strong enough and capable of withstanding significant physical stress.

Among all adhesives, polyamide is the best (click to enlarge)

Silicone adhesives meet most adhesive quality requirements. High molecular weight compounds are highly durable, resistant to changes in meteorological conditions. The only drawback of silicone is that it is not transparent, but cloudy white at best. Mainly available in gray, black or white silicone glue. For the application of the joint compound, filling tubes are used.

Adhesives based on polyurethane have the highest transparency. The disadvantages include the relative complexity of the application. For the application of polyurethane glue, special mechanical or pneumatic devices are used.

Ethylene vinyl acetate refers to high molecular weight polymer compounds with elasticity and water resistance. For application, special thermal guns are used. Matte and translucent rods of various colors are used as consumables. The disadvantage is the lower bond strength than other compounds.

It is convenient to attach polycarbonate sheets to flat surfaces using double-sided acrylic adhesive tape. Dispersed acrylic can be transparent or colored and adheres perfectly to plastic and other materials due to its high adhesion (sticking) qualities.

The procedure for gluing polycarbonate products

To ensure the strength of the future connection, the surfaces to be glued should be cleaned of dirt and degreased. Isopropyl alcohol is used as a degreasing agent. Polycarbonate adhesive is applied using special guns, filling tubes, syringes or containers with an applicator.

Depending on the expected load, it is determined how to glue the structure, butt and overlap. If it is necessary to ensure high reliability and strength of the connection, it is recommended to glue only with an overlap. Butt gluing is less durable, therefore it is used at a relatively low load, in places where the appearance of the finished structure is of particular importance.

Find out more information from the video:

Polycarbonate is resistant to physical influences, so fasteners can be used for connection: self-tapping screws and screws. Adhesive for working with polycarbonate can be used as a sealing compound, especially when installing parts made of porous (honeycomb) polycarbonate. With the help of glue, the joints with the fastening element are sealed to prevent moisture and dirt from entering.

Gluing a polycarbonate product:

In some cases, it may be necessary to seal the edges of polycarbonate parts, especially when it comes to laminated material. If you do not process cavities open to the external environment, various debris will get into the parts and the product will quickly become dirty from the inside, losing its aesthetic appeal.

The adhesive composition must ensure the reliability and durability of the connection, without damaging the appearance of the structure. Adhesives based on chemical compounds that are not alkali or solvents, when used correctly, can guarantee the durability and aesthetic appeal of the finished product for a long time.

Polycarbonate sheets are quick and easy to install. When connecting several sheets together, special profiles are used. For a more reliable bond, glue is used.

The choice of adhesive for polycarbonate

Suitable options include:

Polyurethane glue is the best option to preserve all the functional properties of polycarbonate sheets. Its disadvantage is its high price.
Polymer adhesive sealant - provides a strong connection, resistant to ultraviolet radiation.
Adhesive based on methyl methacrylate is an easy-to-use, quick-setting option.
Silicone glue - only suitable if the transparency of the glued seam can be neglected.

How to glue polycarbonate

Clean any dirt from the surface of the polycarbonate sheets.
Apply glue to the bonding area. For a more secure bond, squeeze out the adhesive with a "snake".
After applying the adhesive, quickly press the polycarbonate sheets against each other or other material. If necessary, press down the glued area with a weight.

How to repair damage

During operation, holes and cracks may appear in polycarbonate structures. Silicone sealant is used to seal them. If there is damage to a small area, a sealing tape is used. The surface must be cleaned before gluing.

Roofs of awnings, canopies, greenhouses and other polycarbonate structures can have a complex look that requires the connection of several parts. If you need to connect two polycarbonate sheets, it is better to use special profiles, and gluing is suitable for attaching small elements. How to choose the right glue for monolithic polycarbonate, what characteristics to consider to achieve a good result and what to look for when buying?

appointment;
the principle of action;
composition;
the complexity of the process of use;
the degree of transparency;
solidification time;
viscosity.

For the correct choice, it is necessary to take into account many parameters in order to ensure the reliability of the connection, to give the product an impeccable appearance.

Modern types of glue of domestic and foreign production, presented on the Russian market, have a different basis. Substances are widely used:

polyurethane;
acrylate, methyl methacrylate, cyanoacrylate;
Si is acetic acid;
ethylene vinyl acetate;
polyamide.

The chemical composition largely determines the properties of the glue, its purpose, and application features.

Two-component adhesive requires bonding

For simple structures that do not experience significant mechanical loads and strong weathering during operation, an easy-to-use one-component glue is suitable, for difficult cases you have to choose a two-component composition.

Hot melt adhesive requires melting before use, some varieties require special surface treatment before bonding. However, there are compounds that experts strongly do not recommend to use for polycarbonate.

What adhesives can not be used

Glue based on solvents and alkalis is very active; when gluing plastic, it partially destroys its structure. The consequences of application are darkening of the material, cracks, bubbles, which may appear after a time after gluing. Some adhesives contain solvents, so their use can be harmful to molded plastic, causing it to crack during use.

Alkaline compounds cannot be used.

A home-made composition of a mixture of solvent and polycarbonate will hold the surfaces together, but a rough seam may not withstand mechanical stress. For widespread use, glue with a solvent dichloroethane is prohibited - this substance is extremely harmful to human health, has carcinogenic properties, such a composition is used exclusively for industrial purposes.

Construction of unloaded lightweight structures

Gluing of parts of light structures - interior decoration elements, stands for displaying goods in shopping centers, which are not subject to special requirements during operation, is usually carried out with one-component glue. For this, either thermo guns with special sticks made of adhesive are used, or ready-made compositions with various bases.

Joining parts with hot glue

For quick connection of sheets of monolithic polycarbonate, it is convenient to use a heat gun with glue sticks. The process is reduced to melting the rods and dosed application of hot liquid glue. This glue reliably adheres monolithic polycarbonate to metal, rubber, glass and other materials.

Pistols have a wide price range - the most affordable are Chinese models, devices from famous brands are much more expensive and are of high quality. So, for example, the gun BOSCH GKP 200 CE has two heating elements, electronic temperature stabilization, high productivity. Professional modern models are equipped with an adhesive spray, which allows you to quickly and economically glue large surfaces of materials.

Consumable material for the operation of the thermal gun - special rods purchased for a specific model. For household pistols, rods with a diameter of 7 and 11 mm are made; for industrial purposes, thicker rods are used - up to 43 mm. The set with the gun sells short rods, 5 cm long, you can separately purchase rods designed for longer use - 20 cm or more.

The most commonly used rods are made of ethylene vinyl acetate, designated as EVA, the material is translucent, elastic, non-hygroscopic. Manufacturers produce rods painted in various colors and unpainted ones - matte and translucent. All compounds adhere well to almost any materials during their preliminary cleaning and degreasing; good results are also obtained for cast polycarbonate.

The best seam reliability is given by polyamide, its designation PA, such an adhesive for monolithic polycarbonate is characterized by greater rigidity, strength and melting point than ethylene vinyl acetate.

Polyamide is used only in pistols that have a "hot mode" - its melting temperature is 150 ° C, almost twice as high as that of ethylene vinyl acetate. The disadvantage of polyamide is the gradual decrease in strength in high humidity conditions.

Working with cold curing adhesives

Small structures can be glued without special tools with glue that does not require heating before use. Modern one-component compounds are able to ensure the strength of the seams to various influences, while maintaining the elegant appearance of the product. The most popular and high-quality products, according to experts, are the products of the German companies Weiss (COSMO series) and RöhmGmbH (ACRIFIX series).

Cosmofen products are popular thanks to their traditional German quality. A wide range of models allows you to choose an adhesive for monolithic polycarbonate with the desired parameters - white or transparent composition, instant and long-term curing, with different viscosities. All types of products have common properties:

provide high reliability of the seam;
withstand a wide temperature range;
do not allow moisture to pass through;
retain their quality under the influence of ultraviolet radiation.

A very popular one-component composition based on methyl methacrylate ACRIFIX 192, which does not contain a solvent. This glue does not contain dichloroethane and provides high performance characteristics. Glue ACRIFIX 116,117,118 also does not contain dichloroethane, but is made on the basis of a solvent. The adhesion strength of such a composition is lower than that of a polymerizing one; its use can have negative consequences for the properties of polycarbonate.

How to glue polycarbonate with other materials and polycarbonate

If it is necessary to join flat surfaces of polycarbonate with other materials, it is recommended to use double-sided adhesive tape. Sample Type 4830 from 3M gives excellent adhesion thanks to the acrylic foam adhesive. Thorough cleaning of materials and degreasing of surfaces before gluing the tape is necessary.

The question of how to glue polycarbonate with polycarbonate is not worth it separately for small products made of monolithic plastic - you can use one-component glue. The best result when working with a hot-air gun is given by glue based on polyamide; the reputation of world-renowned manufacturers serves as a guarantee of reliable bonding and flawless bonding with cold-curing compounds.

Bonding structures with high operational loads

For gluing structural parts that require high strength during operation, silicone glue or a composition with a polyurethane base is most often used. To use two-component polyurethane glue, special equipment is required - a gun with replaceable cartridges. Such glue for monolithic polycarbonate is worth buying in cases where it is necessary to ensure not only resistance to stress, but also the optical transparency of the seams.

Silicone glue is very effective, it firmly holds the joints of sheets and parts made of monolithic polycarbonate even under significant loads. The sales leader in the segment of silicone-based compounds is the Q3-7098 glue from DowCorning Ltd (England), the Chinese-made Silliconemastic product gives good results. Bonding does not require a preliminary primer, the lack of glue is poor light transmission.

Among the transparent formulations, the most popular are:

one-component polyurethane adhesive KOSMOPUR K1;
two-component adhesives ACRIFIX 190 and COSMOPLAST 460;
compositions HE 17017, HE 1908 by the Chinese manufacturer EngineeringChemicalLtd.

Effective adhesives provide transparency of joint joints, chemical and impact resistance, excellent adhesion.

There are adhesives that are especially reliable under significant loads and are very difficult to use. For example, ACRIFIX 5R 0194 glue is a five-component, viscous polymer adhesive based on methyl methacrylate. This way you can glue thick sheets of polycarbonate to each other, the seams are transparent and almost invisible.

The connecting profile is safer than glue

For gluing large-scale structures, special tools are also required, with the help of which the connection can be made with high quality - thoroughly, beautifully, economically. If you are not confident in your ability to perform the work correctly and do not want to find it difficult to choose materials, entrust your problems to professionals who know what glue for polycarbonate to buy, taking into account the tasks and features of the construction.